“美辞学”说新论

Study of the Theory of "Mei ci xue" from a New Sight

"美辞学"说有其深厚的历史传统。孔子提出了"情欲信,辞欲巧",从传播的效果要求语言应具有文采。"美辞学"说的提法曾使人产生误解,认为修辞只追求语言形式的美而不论内容的真和善,从而使修辞实践陷入形式主义的窠臼。但事实上修辞学所研究的"美"不仅仅指形式美,它还含有"真"、"善"等义。"美辞学"说对语言文明与和谐社会的构建具有重要的现实意义。

The theory of ＂mei ci xue＂ owns a deep historical tradition. Confucius advanced ＂if we want to sincerely express our sentiment, we should use flowery language ＂. This statement tells us that language must be flowery. The theory of ＂mei ci xue＂ has made people think that rhetoric only pursues flowery language and it never discusses the true and the good of content. This misunderstanding throws rhetorical practice into the set pattern of formalism. However, in fact, the ＂beautiful＂ that rhetoric pursues not only means beautiful form, but also includes ＂the true＂ and ＂the good＂ of language. The theory of ＂mei ci xue＂ has practical significance to language civilization and constructing harmonious society.